Let’s talk about the benefits of technology for seniors!
There’s a common misconception that older folks are less tech-savvy than their digitally native grandchildren. But recent statistics from the Pew Research Center found that 58% of those over 60 use the Internet, up from 15% in 2000. Moreover, the numbers are even higher for more affluent and educated seniors and younger retirees.
Someone who leaves the workforce nowadays may have already worked 30-plus years with technology and computers, and even people in their 90s are embracing tablets, smartphones, social media, and other technologies.
Advancements in technology have helped millions of people across the globe. Not to mention that the benefits of technology for seniors are multiple. Today, technology is used in almost every aspect of day-to-day life, including care and health. In these two sectors, technology has helped aging people have a better quality of life by supporting their safety, well-being, and health.
We’ve rounded up some of the best benefits of technology for seniors, so let’s get started!
1. Technology allows easy access to healthcare providers
While technology hasn’t made physical doctor appointments outdated, as they should still be a key part of your healthcare, the latest technological advancements have allowed elders to reach healthcare providers for help without having to leave the comforts of their own homes.
One of the best benefits of technology for seniors is that many doctors now offer telemedicine appointments. If some symptoms are bothering you, all you have to do is connect via video chat, and you have the doctor right in front of you without having to travel long distances.
There are also wearable gadgets that can connect you to medical professionals with just the click of a button in case of medical emergencies.
2. Online shopping
Shopping for even the most basic stuff can become burdensome for some seniors. Bad weather, mobility problems, or embarrassment about buying certain medications or incontinence products are some of the reasons why retirees may no longer want to shop for themselves.
One of the greatest benefits of technology for seniors is that they can shop for lots of things from their homes. The popularity of online shopping enables aging people who no longer want or can shop on their own to buy just about anything they need or want without ever leaving the comfort of home.
From medical supplies to groceries, home interior items to smart devices, nearly everything is now available to them, just a simple click away.
3. Assists with home safety and security
Devices such as automatic lights, key safes, smart smoke alarms, and smart doorbells are wonderful gadgets that help maintain the security and safety of your own house. These can be great tools that feature very helpful technology for seniors.
For instance, smart doorbells let people see who is outside their door without having to look through the peephole on the door. Moreover, these doorbells are equipped with video cameras that can be linked to a mobile app, so you can check who is ringing the doorbell anytime, anywhere.
On the other hand, automatic lights are motion sensor-activated lights, so aging folks can always have a bright pathway at night to avoid any trips or falls. Even if you forget to turn off the lights, they will turn off automatically when movement isn’t sensed for a set time. While this lighting system is great for every house, it’s a very useful technology for seniors. Not to mention that electricity is saved.
4. Can help with medication reminders
Another great benefit of technology for seniors is that you can now use apps to remind you to take your pills. Missing medication is an issue many retirees face, and that can have a major impact on their health.
There are lots of applications and software that can be integrated into your smartphone to ensure you’re reminded every day about checkups with your medical practitioner, necessary medication doses, and other health-related activities.
Alerts, or “push” notifications, can be set to trigger at specific times and days as a regular reminder to help people who self-manage their medication not forget.
Keep reading to discover other benefits of technology for seniors!
5. Enhances communication
Hearing aids are some of the most common types of technology for seniors. Hearing loss is often part of the aging process, but this shouldn’t stop the older generation from effectively communicating with their loved ones. Through these tools, seniors can regain and enhance their hearing ability.
Other technologies that improve communication include text readers, magnifiers, voice recognition software, and more. And of course, let’s not forget about mobile devices and video call apps like Whatsapp, Skype, and FaceTime, which are also user-friendly methods for people to stay in touch with their family and friends.
But there’s one more benefit of technology for seniors here. According to data, many aging people feel alone and isolated after leaving the workforce. The good news is that recent advancements in technology can now offer a ray of sunshine for lonely seniors.
Even if the adult children, grandchildren, and other loved ones are hundreds of miles away, retirees can both see and speak to them. This type of visual interaction can help a lot in reducing feelings of loneliness.
Moreover, social media platforms can provide a convenient way for seniors to get in touch with others who may share their interests. These social platforms are filled with chat rooms and online groups full of like-minded people, giving retirees a chance to connect with others and build new relationships.
6. Exercise
For many aging people, staying fit and active can be put on the back burner for two main reasons: mobility and lack of motivation. Let’s be honest: after the age of 60, our bodies become less forgiving, and this is something that can be very discouraging for some.
Joining a fitness or gym group full of active younger adults can also leave retirees feeling intimidated. Luckily, one of the greatest benefits of technology for seniors is that now there are many apps that can help you get in shape or maintain your fitness.
Regardless of mobility or lack of motivation, these apps make it easy for aging folks to monitor activity, ensuring that they get enough exercise.
For physical health, interactive game systems like the PlayStation or Nintendo Wii have games that are motion-controlled, allowing retirees to do light physical exercise from the comfort of their homes. There are also many fitness trackers, like the Fitbit, that make it easy and fun to keep track of the number of steps you take each day. Not to mention, there are lots of smart watches with fitness trackers. Not to mention there are lots of smart watches with fitness trackers. If you’re interested in getting one, here are plenty of options to choose from.
7. Entertainment and hobbies
Older adults who have left the workforce may find themselves with more free time than ever before. One of the best benefits of technology for seniors is that it allows them to explore new things every day.
The internet can open new worlds for all of us, including retirees. Is there a rusty guitar in your attic that you haven’t used in years? You can watch YouTube tutorials and learn how to play again.
Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn another language, but you’ve never had time. There are apps for that, too. Maybe you’re interested in yoga or some other sort of exercise but are too embarrassed to step into a gym. Again, YouTube is packed with videos with fitness trainers showing you how to do a specific workout.
And, of course, the internet is full of movies, books, and TV shows.
If you liked our article on the benefits of technology for seniors, you may also want to read 5 Tips for Transforming a Midlife Crisis into a Fresh Start.
